The 13 essential things to do in Tossa de Mar

Visit Tossa de Mar: what are the best things to do and see in this most beautiful village of Catalonia?

Typical Catalan village, Tossa de Mar is nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This village is famous for its beautiful white houses, beautiful beaches and medieval heritage. You will thus enjoy sublime panoramas: white houses and trees in the background, blue waters below, all surrounded by beautiful medieval ramparts. The small Catalan city has a well-preserved historical heritage, which you cannot miss to discover.

Are you planning to visit Tossa de Mar in Catalonia soon? So in this article you will find the 13 essential things to do in Tossa de Mar.

1. Discover the ramparts of the Vila Vella

Last example of a medieval city fortified on the Catalan coast, the walls of the enclosure of the Vila Vella are among the must-sees to visit in Tossa de Mar. Classified as a national historical and artistic monument, they have beautifully endured over time, with some restorations in the 14th and 18th centuries. You can walk on these ramparts and enjoy sublime views of the sea and the city.

These sublime walls include four dungeons and three beautiful cylindrical towers. Torre d’en Joanàs dominates the bay with its incredible mâchicoulis. Torre de les Hores was once the only place with a public clock, while the Torre del Codolar offers a charming view of the beach of the same name.

2. Visit the Municipal Museum

If you come to visit Tossa de Mar, don't miss discovering its municipal museum. Located in a beautiful medieval house well preserved, it houses both works of art and historical artifacts. Thus, you can admire the treasures discovered by archaeologists in the Roman villa of the Els Ametllers.

You will also discover a vast collection of regional modern art, as well as works by the French painter Marc Chagall. His passage to Tossa de Mar in 1933 marked the city. The painter was charmed by the exceptional brightness of Tossa de Mar, which he even nicknamed the Blue Paradise.

3. Go to Tossa Lighthouse

Another highlight of a visit to Tossa de Mar is its magnificent lighthouse. It was built in 1917 at the highest point in the Vila Vella, and once there was a former castle. Standing at the top of a cliff overlooking the Vila Vella, it offers stunning views.

But it is mainly home to the Centre Interpretació dels Fars de la Mediterrània . This exhibition traces the history of Mediterranean lighthouses. You can then learn the particularities of the craft and life of a lighthousekeeper. You will also discover how the evolution of technology has made this profession obsolete.

4. Discover the Roman Villa of the Els Ametllers

The Roman Villa of the Els Ametllers is an incredible testimony of the Roman presence in the region 2000 years ago. Discovered in 1914 by Dr.Ignasi Melé, she dates from the first century before our era. She was then the home of a Roman aristocrat.

Its high position on the eastern slope of Can Magí Hill demonstrates its importance. It thus had many external signs of wealth: splendid mosaic, thermal ensemble, swimming pool with Carrare marble sculptures.

It is assumed that the interior of the villa extended a vineyard, whose wine would have been exported throughout the Empire. You can thus discover some vestiges of agricultural buildings, in the rural part of the villa.

5. Make a stop at the beaches of Tossa de Mar

Elegantly located on the edges of the Mediterranean, Tossa de Mar obviously has beautiful beaches where to enjoy the sun. You will have a choice among three.

The most accessible, the largest and most frequented is Platja Gran with his 400 meters long . It is ideal for swimming or swimming Farniente Just a step from the city.

Platja Mar Menuda is the second largest. It is very popular with beginner divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, but it is also perfect for a day bathing in the sun.

As for the Cala Codolar , you will find it nestled in the middle of cliffs and fortified walls. Located a few steps from the Vila Vella , it presents a picturesque setting.

6. Visit the ruins of the church of Sant Vicenç

During your discovery of Vila Vella take the time to visit the ruins of the beautiful church of Sant Vicenç. This Gothic building was once very impressive. Today in ruins, you can only admire the remains of its walls and part of the roof.

In addition to its beautiful ruins, you will enjoy a superb panorama here. Located on a cliff of 50 meters high, the church gives a breathtaking view of Tossa de Mar and the Mediterranean.

7. Go to the Gothic cross Creu de Terme

Another curiosity to discover in Tossa de Mar is his Gothic cross Creu de Terme . You will find it at the main entrance of the Old Town. This indicates the boundaries of the city.

Built in a popular Gothic style, it dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. You will notice that its branches are decorated with lys flowers and images. The crucified Christ is on the reverse, and the Virgin Mary on the front.

8. Discover the Old Hospital of Sant Miquel

Founded in 1773 to be a hospital for the poor, he now houses the cultural centre of Tossa de Mar. This baroque-style building has 2 floors with a beautiful small central courtyard. Just beside you can admire the chapel of Sant Miquel, known for its magnificent baroque altar.

9. Go to Balcón Al Mar

If you come to visit Tossa de Mar, don’t miss taking this small panoramic path. Named. Balcón Al Mar , he keeps his promises in terms of beautiful landscapes. Along this path you will enjoy superb views of the Mediterranean Sea and its charming steep coasts.

And if you choose to continue this path, you will eventually reach Lloret del Mar. Indeed, you will pass through the Camonis de Ronda : this path goes from Tossa de Mar, along the coast, to Lloret del Mar and even Blanes!

10. Make a stopover to beaches and calanques north of Tossa de Mar

In the north of the city there are beautiful, wilder and picturesque calanques and beaches. You will then enjoy beautiful bays where you swim, but also where to practice snorkeling.

With its azur waters and rich underwater flora and fauna, its northern beaches of Tossa de Mar are ideal for diving with tuba. You can thus discover the seabed from the seabed Cala Futadera , Cala Giverola or Cala Pola .

11. Make a boat ride

One of the essential things to do in Tossa de Mar is obviously a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. From the city you can enjoy a cruise along the coast. You will then discover the most beautiful places of the Costa Brava and some picturesque villages.

Excursions with glass bottom boat are also available. You can admire the seabed and its sublime fauna and flora.

And for a feeling of freedom in the middle of the sea, you can finally opt for a cruise in catamaran or sailboat. Often festive, these excursions allow you to enjoy the sea on an original boat.

12. Trying at water sports and activities

In Tossa de Mar, you can practice several water sports and activities. Diving, sea kayaking, sailing or waterskiing, many opportunities are available to you since the Platja Gran .

You can rent a boat directly in the city , like a kayak or paddle. But you can also participate in activities or excursions to discover charming places with a guide!

13. Survey the Massís de les Cadiretes

In the north of this beautiful Catalan village, you can discover a magnificent natural protected area: the Massís de les Cadiretes . This mountainous massif is an exceptional place to practice various activities: hiking, biking and mountain biking, or even quad excursions. Enjoy a map, good shoes, a hat and a bottle of water and you’ll discover beautiful Catalan landscapes!

If you come to visit Tossa de Mar, we can only invite you to explore Massís de les Cadiretes .

How do I get to Tossa de Mar?

Tossa de Mar is located north of Catalonia, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The nearest big city is Girona . As for the nearest airport, you will find it near Barcelona . Here are different ways to get to Tossa de Mar.

By car from France

Located on the coast, far from all, Tossa de Mar is hardly accessible by public transport. The most convenient way to go to Tossa de Mar is to drive again. If you arrive directly from the France , know that the journey lasts 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes since Perpignan .

The fastest path passes through the A9 motorway and the border The Perthus where you will pass on the E15 motorway en Spain . You will then continue to Girona, passing in front of Figueras. After Girona, you will have to take the AP-7 then the A-2/N-II .

After about 15 kilometers, it will be necessary to take the output 692B to reach the route C-35 towards St. Feliu G/ Lloret de Mar /Vidreres. Then continue on the C-35 to the exit in the direction of GI-681 . You can finally follow this road for about 20 minutes to Tossa de Mar.

By plane

By plane, you can land at the Barcelona-El Prat International Airport . From there you can come by car or come with public transport, train and bus. The airport is an ideal place to rent a car and thus discover Catalonia freely, at your own pace and according to your desires. In order to find flights at the best prices, do not hesitate to visit a flight comparison such as Skyscanner .

By car, from Barcelona, two routes are available to you. The two last of them 1 hour 30 minutes to more 2 hours according to traffic. You can pass through the land, by taking the highway AP-7 or E-15 . As mentioned above, you will then have to fork on the route C-35 towards St. Feliu G/Lloret de Mar/Vidreres.

But it is also possible to follow the coast through the north of Barcelona. Follow then road B-20 then it C-32 to the exit 134 . The panels then indicate the direction GI-600/Blanes/Lloret de Mar/Tossa de Mar. After a few minutes you will finally be in the city and can visit Tossa de Mar as you like.

By bus

From Barcelona Airport, you can also choose to take public transport. It will then be necessary to borrow several bus lines.

You will have to reach the city center with the bus A2 until Plaça Catalunya – Fontanella, then take the line R1 to Blanes. In Blanes, you can borrow the line L6 from the Rtda.locomotora (Galp Betzinera) to the terminal in Lloret del Mar. From this terminal, L9 will finally lead you to Tossa de Mar. The journey lasts almost 4 hours .

Where to sleep in Tossa de Mar?

Tossa de Mar is a small town and seaside resort. Of course, you will find many accommodations of any type. Depending on your wishes and budget, you can opt for a residence or seaside apartments, small charming hotels or accommodations in the home. There are even some campsites in the land. So there's something for every taste!

To stay in Tossa de Mar, we recommend using our partner’s website, the online hotel comparison Booking . You can also find charming accommodations on Airbnb .